A woman may consider seeing a reflexologist with the goal to improve her overall health, including her menstrual cycles. The practitioner will have questions for the client about her menses and will vary the techniques for each menstrual phase.
Every phase in the menstrual cycle is calling upon different parts of the endocrine and reproductive systems organs and glands to play a role. Sessions throughout the period will differ slightly to support the body from one phase to the next. Certain reflex points may be stimulated more while others may be worked very lightly. A session for PMS will differ from a session focusing on ovulation, for example.
Questions a Reflexologist May Ask About Your Period
To get an overall picture of a woman’s health as it relates to her monthly period, a reflexologist will commonly ask questions about the client’s menses. Some of the questions may sound like the following:
- Are you on the birth control pill or other form of hormonal birth control? – Menstruation is different for a woman using synthetic hormones versus one who is not.
- When was your last known period? Or What cycle day are you on today? – This gives her a clue about which reflex points she will be emphasizing in the session.
- How long is your menstrual cycle? – The average cycle is about 28 days long, if a woman is getting her period every week or only every few months, the reflexologist will have more questions to ask.
- How long does the bleeding portion of your cycle last? – If a cycle is too short or too long she may ask further questions.
- Do you have heavy bleeding days? If so, how many pads in two to four hours and how many days does this last? – Too heavy of a cycle can signal an imbalance or be a sign of something more serious.
- Are there any clots? – Clotting is not a sign of a normal cycle.
Depending on the answers she hears, the Reflexologist will tailor a session specifically for that client. She may also refer the client out to a gynecologist for abnormal sounding periods to determine the underlying conditions.
Reflexology and the Menstrual Cycle
After gathering information from her client, the reflexologist will approach a session based on where the client is at in her menstrual cycle. Each cycle begins with the first day of bleeding, which is known as “day one.” This first part of a cycle is called the follicular phase, a time where the body is preparing the ovaries’ follicles to become an egg. The practitioner may emphasize pressure techniques on the hypothalamus and pituitary reflexes during this phase.
During a woman’s period the uterus reflex, found in the space between the inner ankle bone [medial malleolus] and the heel [calcaneous], may be very sensitive. A throbbing or pulsing sensation is common and the reflexology practitioner may use gentler pressure if the client reports tenderness here.
When a reflexologist is working on a client around ovulation, the session may focus on the ovary reflexes and the pituitary gland reflex. After ovulation has occurred, the practitioner may emphasize reflex areas that correspond to the adrenal glands as well as other endocrine points.
As the cycle is drawing to a close, the practitioner may emphasize the pelvic area reflexes to help alleviate bloating and fluid retention.
Using Reflexology to Improve Menstrual Health
There have been quite a few studies observing the effects of reflexology on women’s health issues. While it isn’t a replacement for gynecological care from a doctor or midwife, reflexology can be a great tool to promote general wellness for the female body.
Reflexologists may see clients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, absent periods or too frequent periods and a variety of other reproductive complaints. The client and practitioner may wish to form a wellness plan based on the goals of the sessions and include some self-help techniques for the client to use at home too.
Resources:
- The author’s experience as an ARCB Board Certified Reflexologist.
- Fertility and Conception by Zita West, DK Adult 2003
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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